S4 E2: AI as a Thought Partner for Educators

Educational Research Made Easier with Eddie

Lisa Dieker and Maggie Mosher sit down with David Blumenthal to talk about how AI can help make educational research easier and more accessible for educators. David shares the story behind Eddie, an AI powered tool built to help teachers quickly find research-based strategies and support for student learning and classroom challenges. Together, they discuss the growing challenge of information overload, how AI can help educators save time and make informed decisions, and the importance of keeping teachers at the center of learning. This episode offers a conversation about how tools like Eddie help educators spend less time searching for answers and more time supporting students. Listen now and join the conversation. Resources: https://www.eddieai.net/ [https://www.eddieai.net/]  Social Media: * X - https://x.com/KUFLITECenter [https://x.com/KUFLITECenter] * Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Flexible-Learning-through-Innovations-in-Technology-Education/61563791019174/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Flexible-Learning-through-Innovations-in-Technology-Education/61563791019174/] * LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/aai-flite-center [https://www.linkedin.com/aai-flite-center]

S4 E5: Practical Approaches for Today’s Educator

Lisa Dieker and Maggie Mosher discuss how artificial intelligence can support teacher preparation and classroom creativity, from making syllabi more accessible through layered formats like videos and podcasts to designing “AI-proof” experiential assignments that encourage students to improve their skills in critical thinking, prompting, and problem-solving. During the episode, they introduce their new book, Empowered by AI: 10 Practical Approaches for Today’s Educators, describing it as a short, practical guide that helps educators quickly understand how AI can support their daily work without feeling overwhelmed.  Throughout the conversation, they share examples of how AI can assist with tasks such as preparing presentations, tailoring professional development for specific audiences, and helping teachers reflect on whether technology is meaningfully supporting student learning. Organized in a chapter-by-chapter format, the book offers actionable strategies on lesson planning, tutoring, AI-driven feedback, accessibility, gamification, and developing AI fluency.  By emphasizing process over specific tools, Lisa and Maggie position the book as a practical companion for educators who want to use AI responsibly, efficiently, and creatively, encouraging teachers to view AI not as a replacement for the human elements of teaching, but as an assistant that helps reclaim time, personalize learning, and strengthen instructional design while keeping educators at the center of the learning process. Purchase here: Empowered by AI: 10 Practical Approaches for Today’s Educators [https://shop.ingramspark.com/b/084?params=14NkClGIX9x1DCMTuZLpJ5jlKXIa0WgJC3hNuxrvc40] Social Media: * X - https://x.com/KUFLITECenter [https://x.com/KUFLITECenter] * Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Flexible-Learning-through-Innovations-in-Technology-Education/61563791019174/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Flexible-Learning-through-Innovations-in-Technology-Education/61563791019174/] * LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/aai-flite-center [https://www.linkedin.com/aai-flite-center]

S4 E4: Discover Free AI Training at No Cost

Lisa Dieker and Maggie Mosher highlight free resources and training opportunities where educators and professionals can learn more about artificial intelligence. They share a wide range of accessible resources, from micro-credentials and LinkedIn learning pathways to courses like Elements of AI and AI for Everyone. The conversation features platforms such as Google AI, Microsoft AI for Beginners, Coursera, and tool-specific training, emphasizing the importance of building knowledge in areas like prompting, generative AI, large language models, and responsible AI use. Throughout the episode, Lisa and Maggie encourage listeners to take advantage of free learning opportunities by starting with skills that immediately impact their work and approaching AI with curiosity and a commitment to continuous growth.  Resources: * LinkedIn Learning - https://www.linkedin.com/learning [https://www.linkedin.com/learning/] * Elements of AI - https://www.elementsofai.com [https://www.elementsofai.com/] * AI for Everyone - https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyone [https://www.coursera.org/learn/ai-for-everyone] * Coursera - https://www.coursera.org [https://www.coursera.org/] * Google AI Training - https://ai.google/learn-ai-skills [https://ai.google/learn-ai-skills/] * Microsoft - https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us [https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/] Social Media: * X - https://x.com/KUFLITECenter [https://x.com/KUFLITECenter] * Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Flexible-Learning-through-Innovations-in-Technology-Education/61563791019174/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Flexible-Learning-through-Innovations-in-Technology-Education/61563791019174/] * LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/aai-flite-center [https://www.linkedin.com/aai-flite-center]

S4 E3: Navigating the Future of AI in Education

Lisa Dieker and Maggie Mosher predict what the next five years of AI might look like in K–12 education. These predictions include how technology will shape classrooms, educators, and students. They discuss the rapid pace of innovation and the likelihood that AI will become a normalized tool used in schools every day. The conversation highlights both the opportunities and challenges ahead, including the need to prioritize mental health, set healthy boundaries with technology, and ensure AI reduces workload rather than adding stress.  The conversation also highlights how students are becoming more fluent with AI and how classrooms may rely on them as leaders in navigating new tools. They anticipate a shift toward more human-centered connections, even as AI becomes integrated in daily life. Throughout the episode, they encourage educators to stay curious, flexible, and grounded in relationships, emphasizing that while AI will evolve quickly, strong human connection and thoughtful implementation will remain at the heart of teaching and learning. Resources: Be My Eyes - https://www.bemyeyes.com/ [https://www.bemyeyes.com/]  Social Media: X - https://x.com/KUFLITECenter [https://x.com/KUFLITECenter] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Flexible-Learning-through-Innovations-in-Technology-Education/61563791019174/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Flexible-Learning-through-Innovations-in-Technology-Education/61563791019174/] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/aai-flite-center [https://www.linkedin.com/aai-flite-center]

S4 E2: AI as a Thought Partner for Educators

Lisa Dieker and Maggie Mosher discuss how artificial intelligence can act as a thought partner for educators as they navigate planning, problem solving, and everyday decisions. They explore ways AI can help with tasks like brainstorming lesson ideas, organizing materials, and creating classroom resources, while keeping the teacher’s expertise at the center. The episode includes examples of how educators can use AI to increase efficiency, personalize learning experiences for students, and reduce workload without sacrificing quality or creativity. Throughout the conversation, Lisa and Maggie remind listeners that AI works best when it supports human insight rather than replaces it, encouraging educators to approach AI with curiosity, optimism, and a focus on student learning. Resources: NotebookLM - https://notebooklm.google [https://notebooklm.google/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22476587015&gbraid=0AAAAA-fwSsdq7eo3cpK2pMLAYD2RIYC4W&gclid=CjwKCAiA1obMBhAbEiwAsUBbIokkGWDE4HQb4PgeVgl8fHvG2FdboaZR0WDHBJVbUxbVxL0dutdNYBoCvQ0QAvD_BwE] Gemini - https://gemini.google.com  [https://gemini.google.com/] Social Media: X - https://x.com/KUFLITECenter [https://x.com/KUFLITECenter] Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Flexible-Learning-through-Innovations-in-Technology-Education/61563791019174/ [https://www.facebook.com/people/Center-for-Flexible-Learning-through-Innovations-in-Technology-Education/61563791019174/] LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/aai-flite-center [https://www.linkedin.com/aai-flite-center]